Search

Aim: To explore the link between the RBP4 rs3758539 genotype and metabolic syndrome risk factors and whether the impact of this genetic variation displays any potential race discrepancy. Materials and Methods: This meta‐analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42023407999). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Airiti Library and CINAHL databases were used for the study search until October 2023. We evaluated the methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and determined the correlation using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: The results indicated that individuals with the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype had a higher risk profile, including lower high‐density lipoprotein levels [correlation: −0.045, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.080 to −0.009, p =.015, I2 = 46.9%] and higher body mass index (correlation: 0.117, 95% CI: 0.036‐0.197, p =.005, I2 = 82.0%), body fat (correlation: 0.098, 95% CI: 0.004‐0.191, p =.041, I2 = 64.0%), and low‐density lipoprotein levels (correlation: 0.074, 95% CI: 0.010‐0.139, p =.024, I2 = 0%), of developing metabolic syndrome than those with the GG genotype. The subgroup analysis maintained a significantly positive correlation between the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and body mass index (correlation: 0.163, 95% CI: 0.031‐0.289, p =.016, I2 = 88.9%) but a negative correlation with high‐density lipoprotein levels (correlation: −0.047, 95% CI: −0.087 to −0.006, p =.025, I2 = 65.7%) in the Asian group only. Conclusion: The current meta‐analysis supports a significant link between the RBP4 rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and the metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide prevalence and incidence rates of end-stage renal disease have been increasing, and the trend is pronounced in Taiwan. This is especially evident in southern Taiwan, where the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is consistently higher than in other regions. The association between kidney function and WBGT has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and WBGT and variations in this association across different geographic regions in Taiwan. We used the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) to obtain data on community-dwelling individuals, linked these data with WBGT data obtained from the Central Weather Bureau and then processed the data using a machine learning model. WBGT data were recorded during the working period of the day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These data were then compiled as 1-year, 3-year and 5-year averages, recorded prior to the survey year of the TWB of each participant. We identified 114 483 participants who had WBGT data during 2012–2020. Multivariable analysis showed that, in northern Taiwan, increases in 1- and 3-year averages of WBGT during the working period (β = −0.092, P  = .043 and β = −0.193, P  < .001, respectively) were significantly associated with low eGFR. In southern Taiwan, increases in 1-, 3- and 5-year averages of WBGT during the working period (β = −0.518, P  < .001; β = −0.690, P  < .001; and β = −0.386, P  = .001, respectively) were gnificantly associated with low eGFR. These findings highlight the importance of heat protection for people working outdoors or in high-temperature environments as a measure to prevent negative impacts on kidney function. Moreover, we observed that in southern Taiwan, every 1°C increase in WBGT had a greater impact on the decrease in eGFR compared with other regions in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expatriates play a critical role in the long‐term success of global organizations; however, expatriate assignments are risky endeavors, and not all employees are keen on such opportunities. Thus, it is critical that we examine the antecedents of employee willingness to expatriate. In this first such meta‐analysis, we drew on data from 55 studies (published in English and Traditional Chinese), and identified 22 antecedents. Results indicate that education, self‐efficacy, prior international experience, language skills, cultural intelligence, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness to experience, the importance of assignment value, financial support and career support were positively related to employee willingness to expatriate. Some societal differences were identified. We then discuss implications and offer future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parenting programs are the most common intervention for preventing the lethal form of child maltreatment, abusive head trauma (AHT). However, certain results of the effects of these programs have not yet been compared across studies. A systematic review with meta-analysis is warranted to quantitively synthesize the available evidence to identify effective elements and strategies of the programs for preventing AHT. This review aims to estimate AHT preventive parenting programs' pooled effect on the reduction of AHT incidence, the improvement of parental knowledge, and the increased use of safe strategies in response to infants' inconsolable crying. Studies published in English and Mandarin were searched and retained if they were randomized control trials (RCTs) or with a quasi-experimental design, included an AHT preventive parenting program, and provided data that quantified targeted outcomes. Eighteen studies were included in this review. AHT preventive parenting programs had a pooled effect on improving parents' knowledge and increasing the use of safe coping strategies in response to inconsolable crying but not on the incidence of AHT and parents' emotional self-regulation. Subgroup analyses showed that the intervention effects were mostly present across study designs or measurements and emerged in the reduction of AHT incidence compared with historical controls. The findings suggest that AHT preventive parenting programs enhance parenting knowledge and skills to provide safe care for infants. Further efforts to evaluate AHT parenting programs on the reduction of AHT incidence are necessary for decision-making on allocating and disseminating interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]